Key Concepts: Unit 2

Purpose: Before each test students should be prepared to explain U.S. History key concepts that relate to the era that is being tested. Students who performed well on the test typically were able to successfully demonstrate a deep knowledge of the era through knowledge of those key concepts. In order to prepare for the test, students will demonstrate their knowledge of the era by writing about the key concepts listed directly in the AP U.S. History Curriculum Framework.

What students have to do: Students will write an explanation of ALL of the key concepts in their own words provide 2-3 specific examples with detailed descriptions that support the key concept. The entire response must be in your own words. Please use turnitin.com to submit this. It is due the first day of your test.

Example:

Key Concept 5.2. II. Debates over slavery came to dominate political discussion in the 1850s, culminating in the bitter election of 1860 and the secession of Southern states.

Sample Response:

Key Concept 5.2. II. The new land gained from Mexico after the Mexican American war led to many political disagreements over the expansion of slavery in the West. In the 1850s there were many examples of these heated political disagreements such as the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which reopened land that had once been closed to slavery to potentially become slave states. This idea was called popular sovereignty, where the citizens of the state could determine its status on the slavery issue. In 1860, a new political party (Republicans) won the presidency based partily on the issue of non-expansion of slavery. This was the final straw for many Southern politicians and their cue to leave the union.

If this is completed correctly, thoroughly and thoughtfully you will receive half of the missed points back on your test.

Additional Information about APUSH Key Concepts is located at the following site.

https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/pdf/ap-us-history-course-and-exam-description.pdf?course=ap-united-states-historyKey Concepts - Unit 2

I. The competition among the British, French, and American Indians for economic and political advantage in North America culminated in the Seven Years’ War (the French and Indian War), in which Britain defeated France and allied American Indians.

II. The desire of many colonists to assert ideals of self-government in the face of renewed British imperial efforts led to a colonial independence movement and war with Britain.

III. The ideals that inspired the revolutionary cause reflected new beliefs about politics, religion, and society that had been developing over the course of the 18th century.

IV. After declaring independence, American political leaders created new constitutions and declarations of rights that articulated the role of the state and federal governments while protecting individual liberties and limiting both centralized power and excessive popular influence.

V. New forms of national culture and political institutions developed in the United States alongside continued regional variations and differences over economic, political, social, and foreign policy issues.

VI. In the decades after American independence, interactions among different groups resulted in competition for resources, shifting alliances, and cultural blending.

VII. The continued presence of European powers in North America challenged the United States to find ways to safeguard its borders, maintain neutral trading rights, and promote its economic interests.